Living Bone Donation Programme

At Wrightington Hospital, we are one of the few facilities in the region that has a in-house Bone Bank. This means, that if you need to have a hip replacement operation, it is possible for you to donate the bone which will be removed during the surgery.

Why donate bone?

Donated bone can be used in bone grafts which can make an enormous difference, restoring health and mobility to many patients.
Does donating my bone affect my hip replacement surgery?

No, since the bone must be removed anyway, agreeing to donate it will not in any way affect your operation.
How do I donate my bone?

Prior to your surgery you will be asked if you wish to donate your bone. If you are willing, a nurse will discuss donation with you and answer any questions you may have, and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Unfortunately, not everyone can donate.
What happens when I donate?

If the donation goes ahead, a sample of your blood will be taken on the day prior to your surgery.

During your hip surgery, the hip bone will be removed and transfered to our specialised tissue facility.

Following a successful donation, your blood sample will be tested for blood-borne diseases in the same way as during blood donation.

If your donation is to be used for clinical transplantation, we may need you to have a second blood sample taken approximately six months after your surgery. For medical or other reasons it sometimes may not be possible to accept your donation.
Testing of bone donors

If you agree to donate your bone you will be tested to ensure that you do not carry certain viruses. This is done simply with a blood sample that will be taken during your operation. The blood test may need to be repeated approximately six months later.

During your operation your surgeon may decide that your bone is not suitable for donation. Should this happen your blood will not be tested.